Oriol Romeu decides to leave Barcelona after being cut from pre-season by Hansi Flick

Midfielder Oriol Romeu has decided to leave FC Barcelona after being left out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia by head coach Hansi Flick, sources close to the player confirm. The 33-year-old was reportedly furious with the German manager’s decision, which he viewed as a lack of respect.

Romeu, who had been hoping to earn playing time or attract new suitors during pre-season, was excluded from the 30-man squad currently training in Japan ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming friendly against Vissel Kobe. The move appears to have sealed his fate at the Catalan club.

Player Informs Agents He Wants to Leave Immediately

According to Mundo Deportivo, Romeu has already informed his representatives of his intention to leave the club “as soon as possible”. Barcelona is actively working to find a destination, seeking a permanent transfer rather than another loan spell.

The club has already attempted to place him with multiple teams in Spain and abroad, though interest has been limited due to the player’s declining form and market value.

Contract Details and Market Value

Romeu’s current contract runs until June 2026, and he is valued at around €1.2 million. Barcelona is reportedly willing to negotiate a low-cost sale to facilitate the midfielder’s departure and reduce the wage bill.

The Spanish veteran spent last season on loan at Girona, where he had previously shined before his move to Camp Nou. However, his return was underwhelming: he played 31 matches without scoring a goal during the 2024/25 La Liga campaign.

Girona Loan a Possible Exit Route

A return to Girona remains a possibility, though no formal offer has been made. Despite his performance drop, Romeu’s representatives believe La Liga remains his strongest market, with several mid-table clubs still tracking his situation.

Barcelona Reshuffle Under Flick

The move is part of a broader squad reshaping by Hansi Flick, who has taken a firm approach in preparing Barcelona for the 2025/26 season. Several senior players are facing uncertain futures, and Romeu’s exclusion signals a shift toward younger, more dynamic profiles under the new coach.